Securing Your Corner of the Web: Adding a Custom Domain to Your AWS Amplify App

In today's digital landscape, a professional and memorable domain name is crucial for establishing your online presence. AWS Amplify simplifies web application deployment, but by default, your app uses a generic Amplify-provided URL. This article guides you through adding a custom domain to your Amplify app, fostering a branded and user-friendly experience.

Why a Custom Domain Matters: Building Brand Identity

While Amplify-provided URLs are functional, they lack the branding and memorability of a custom domain. Here's why a custom domain is beneficial:

• Professionalism: A custom domain like "[invalid URL removed]" conveys professionalism and fosters trust with your users.
• Brand Recognition: Your custom domain becomes a recognizable part of your brand identity, making it easier for users to find and remember your app.
• SEO Benefits: Search engines may favor websites with custom domains, potentially improving your app's search ranking.

Investing in a custom domain demonstrates your commitment to your online presence and enhances the overall user experience.

Choosing Your Domain Name: Finding the Perfect Fit

• Relevance: Choose a domain name that reflects your app's purpose or brand.
• Availability: Check domain name availability through registrars like GoDaddy or Google Domains.
• Clarity: Opt for a concise and memorable name that's easy to spell and pronounce.
• Brand Consistency: Align your domain name with your existing branding for a unified online presence.

Once you've chosen your domain name, it's time to register it with a domain registrar.

Setting Up Your Custom Domain: Two Main Approaches

Amplify offers two primary methods for integrating a custom domain with your app:

• Using Amazon Route 53 (Recommended): Amazon Route 53 is a managed DNS (Domain Name System) service offered by AWS. This approach provides greater control and flexibility over your domain's configuration.
• Using a Third-Party DNS Provider: If you already manage your domain with a different provider, you can still connect it to your Amplify app by updating the DNS records.

This article focuses on using Amazon Route 53 for a streamlined experience.

1. Purchase Your Domain Name (if not already done):

Head over to your chosen domain registrar and complete the purchase process.

2. Configure Amazon Route 53:

• Access the AWS Management Console and navigate to the Amazon Route 53 service.
• If you don't have a hosted zone for your domain, create one. This essentially acts as a container for your domain's DNS records.
• Within your hosted zone, create a new record of the A type. This record points your domain name to your Amplify app.

Here's the crucial information you'll need:

• Domain Name: Your custom domain name (e.g., [invalid URL removed]).
• Alias Record: Set the alias to point to the CloudFront distribution domain associated with your Amplify app. You can find this information within the Amplify console under the "App" settings in the "Hosting" section.

3. Verify Domain Ownership in Amplify:

• Go to the Amplify console and navigate to your app.
• Under the "App" settings, select "Domain management".
• Click "Add domain" and enter your custom domain name.
• Amplify will display a verification code.

Here's where your Route 53 configuration comes in:

• Go back to your Route 53 hosted zone and create a new record of the TXT type.
• Set the record name to the value provided by Amplify (often starting with "amplify").
• In the record value field, enter the verification code provided by Amplify.

This TXT record confirms your ownership of the domain.

4. Wait for DNS Propagation:

Once you've completed these steps, allow some time (typically 24-48 hours) for the DNS changes to propagate across the internet.

5. Testing Your Custom Domain:

After the propagation period, try accessing your app using your custom domain name. You should now be directed to your Amplify app with the new URL.

Securing Your Connection: Adding an SSL Certificate (Optional):

For enhanced security and user trust, consider adding an SSL/TLS certificate to your custom domain. This encrypts communication between users and your app, protecting sensitive data. Amplify offers options for managing SSL certificates within the console.

Conclusion:

Adding a custom domain to your Amplify app grants you a professional and memorable online presence. By following these steps and leveraging Amazon Route 53, you can seamlessly integrate your domain and elevate your app's user experience.